Bon Secours Recognized for Outstanding Efforts in Immunizations By National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit

Published 5:00 PM ET Wed, 20 April 2016
Globe Newswire

Marriottsville, MD , April 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bon Secours Health System has been named the recipient of a 2016 Immunization Excellence Award from The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS). NAIIS was co-founded by Dr. L.J Tan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO). The awards will be presented during the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, May 11, 2016.

Each year, NAIIS recognizes the value and extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations toward improved vaccination rates within their communities. There are five categories of recognition: overall influenza season activities, “immunization neighborhood” champion, corporate campaign, adult immunization champion, and adult immunization publication award. Nominees were evaluated based on the areas of impact, originality, challenges, opportunities, collaboration, coordination, and communication with partners and stakeholders.

Bon Secours was recognized as a national Adult Immunization Champion for its work to prioritize preventive service delivery across the health system. Bon Secours implemented a Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization, the Good Help ACO and targeted 140,000 Medicare beneficiaries, including those in their ACO, for higher than national Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) completion rates through their primary care provider practices in New York, Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Executive leadership was held accountable for completion rates of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). During the AWV, seniors are routinely encouraged to get their annual influenza vaccination and their pneumonia vaccine. As the rate of AWVs rose, the vaccination rate also increased. From September 2015 through January 2016 Bon Secours achieved an AWV completion rate of almost 40% while the national average in 2014 for AWV completion was only 14.5%. In this health system, for Medicare beneficiaries completing their AWV in 2015, 84.5% had a pneumonia vaccination and 96.9% had or were offered an influenza vaccination, versus Medicare beneficiaries who did not have an AWV, 53.5% had a pneumonia vaccination and 92% had or were offered an influenza vaccination.

“I am extremely proud of our team for their efforts to improve access to preventive services. This prestigious award demonstrates our commitment to providing care that is person-centric. One of our stated goals is to engage each person we serve in an individualized health plan with a focus on prevention and wellness,” said Rich Statuto, Bon Secours’ chief executive officer. “I congratulate all the other recipients; it is an honor to be included in their company.”

In addition to prioritizing the AWV, every year Bon Secours vaccinates thousands of employees, patients, and uninsured or underinsured adults through no-charge community events.

The Bon Secours Care-A-Van, a mobile health van and level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home, provided over 5,000 vaccines and other medical services mostly to the uninsured in Virginia last year. Bon Secours also held free flu shot Fairs at their free standing Emergency Department in Richmond, VA. In Kentucky, community outreach efforts included immunizations for seniors, free flu shots for many non-profit agencies, and free drive-through flu clinics for the community. In West Baltimore, Bon Secours provided immunizations to Medicare beneficiaries in senior low-income housing units and during their Community Day event. In South Carolina, Bon Secours immunized over 5,000 employees, dependents, and contractors and immunized over 700 community members partnering with local churches, community centers, and through various community events.

Marlon Priest, M.D., Bon Secours’ chief medical officer, said, “These efforts are a part of Bon Secours’ commitment to serve the vulnerable by addressing health disparities in the community, and working with community leaders and groups to “co-create” healthier communities. I am thankful to all those who work so hard every day to help carry out this mission.”

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About the National Adult & Influenza Immunization Summit

The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit, started in the year 2000 (as the National Influenza Vaccine Summit), is an action-oriented entity with more than 700 members who represent more than 130 public and private organizations with an interest in addressing and resolving influenza and adult vaccine issues and improving vaccination rates for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Visit the Summit’s website at www.izsummitpartners.org.

About Bon Secours Health System, Inc.

Bon Secours Health System, headquartered in Marriottsville, Maryland, a $3.5 billion not-for-profit Catholic health system, owns, manages, or joint ventures 19 acute-care hospitals, one psychiatric hospital, five nursing care facilities, four assisted living facilities, and several home care and hospice programs. Bon Secours’ more than 23,000 caregivers help people in ten communities in six states, primarily on the East Coast. For more information, visit the website at www.bshsi.org.